NORTHERN Cricket Club celebrated an unprecedented treble of silverware with the capture of the Ray Digman Trophy following a seven-wicket win over Ormskirk.

In Merseyside’s last competitive match of the season, skipper James Cole’s team added the league knockout trophy to the Lancashire Cup and the Premier League title they clinched on September 7.

The result was especially hard on Ormskirk who had posted 258-4 at Moor Park in the original match before rain halted proceedings with Northern on 2-0.

This replayed final, held once more at Moor Park, could not have been more of contrast for sorry Ormskirk who at once stage were reduced to 18-9 by a stunning spell from opener Stephen Cole who finished with the astonishing figures of 6-7 off nine overs.

Incredibly, Ormskirk rallied as England spinner Simon Kerrigan hit a quick fire 41 not out and with able support from the last man Martyn Farrell the pair put on 53 for the 10th wicket to take their side to 71 all out. Thomas Bailey picked up 3-26.

When Kerrigan took two early wickets to leave Northern’s reply on 4-2, an amazing comeback looked possible but their hope was short lived as Davy Smith (33no) and captain Cole (31) compiled a third wicket partnership of 67 to spark off the celebrations.

Speaking afterwards Cole said that to win three trophies was a ‘fantastic achievement’.

He said: “When we played Ormskirk last time we were a bit worse for wear after winning the league the previous day but they are a very good team and we knew we had to be at the races today or we were going to get a pasting.”

As for next season, Cole is determined that Northern’s success will not be a flash in the pan.

“We will strengthen in a couple of areas and then have another crack next season. It will be the the first winter I’ve not played for six years and the body is not getting any younger so I need a bit of a break.

“We hit rock bottom a few seasons ago when we almost got relegated and knew then that we needed to build from within and be smart with our recruitment.

“We’ve created a great team spirit and last season we were unlucky not to win more trophies. There was a lot of hurt in the dressing room but this is a fantastic achievement for such a young side.”